Thursday, November 8, 2012

Waiting for the Bus



This man was patiently waiting at the bus stop in front of the Wadsworth Atheneum.  We waved at each other, but didn't talk, so I don't know what his name is.

I started to describe him as "elderly," then I realized that I don't know how old you have to be to be called "elderly" these days.  80?  70?  60?  50?  Someone once told me that old is ten years older than you are.  I can buy that.  Or 15.

17 comments:

Luis Gomez said...

Nice portrait Jack.

Sharon said...

I remember years ago when I was working at a bank in the lending department (don't hold that against me) when a customer came in and asked to see the officer he talked to a few days ago. The receptionist asked who it was and the man said it was the older lady and pointed to me. I had not yet turned 40. What a shock that was. And, by the way, he got the loan anyway.

Lois said...

This is a wonderful portrait. I think it should be 20 years!

PerthDailyPhoto said...

I know some people who are elderly at 40 and young at 70, so I guess it's all in attitude and the way you feel yourself Jack. I think you might be one of the 'young at heart' crowd oui!

Sylvia K said...

Great capture, Jack, you do get such wonderful "people" shots!! Like Grace, I think age is all about attitude! I know some 40 year old geezers and a couple of 80 year old teens, full of laughter and enthusiasm and fun to be with! Since I'm nearing 80, I want to be one of those!!!

Leslie D. said...

yes "old" is a weird term. So many variables. This gentleman looks more world weary to me than elderly

Pet said...

Old I don't know, but patient he does seem to have developed throughout his years.

RedPat said...

I still look around when someone calls me "mam" instead of "miss". When is that supposed to happen? I agree with the others - it's all a state of mind.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Early morning here in Perth Jack, thank goodness I made time to have a quick look, my Perth editor hasn't even had a chance to correct my spelling mistake on the movie, got it changed before he saw it thanks hahahaha!

Paul in Powell River said...

Great portrait, gthough I think he looks "resigned" rather than "patient"! :D

Michelle said...

I agree with Paul's comment. Resigned might be a better term than patient.

Lowell said...

When my wife was about 50, maybe a few years younger, she underwent an operation in a hospital in south Florida. She's never forgotten how the nurse said something about "elderly people like her..."

I still don't think of myself as "elderly," although I'm known by my golfing friends as the OCBM (Old, crippled, blind man). I don't think that's very nice, do you?

Randy said...

Very nice shot with all of the color.

VP said...

I remember that when I was 18 a friend of mine who was 27 was quite old to my eyes!

EG CameraGirl said...

Nice portrait, Jack. The first time a teenager called me m'am I felt elderly. I was only about 30 then. But on the other hand, I was about 30 when someone wanted to see my ID before he'd let me purchase a bottle of wine. Haha!

Halcyon said...

He doesn't look too old from this angle. But I'm always careful about people's ages - don't want to inadvertently offend anyone. :)

CaT said...

elderly. i find it a weird term now that my parents are at an age where they are probably described as elderly. ofcourse i dont see them that way!